Have seen more LGBTQIA+ acceptance in Hyd

The year was 2021. It was a chilly December day in Hyderabad, with jackets, shawls, and Irani chais ruling the wintertime inventory. But for Abhay Dange and Supriyo Chakraborty, December 18 was far from cold; their faces shone with warmth and their smiles spelled sheer joy as they exchanged vows, becoming the first gay couple in Telangana to say 'I do'. Now, Supriyo, an LGBTQIA+ advocate and marriage equality petitioner, has written a book called Surviving Loudly, which narrates his deeply personal journey of identity, resilience, and love. In an articulate conversation with CE, he goes down memory lane, talks laws, and more.

- NITIKA KRISHNA

Excerpts

What is Surviving Loudly about?

Surviving Loudly is not just my coming out story but a story of surviving silence, shame, and societal expectations, and learning to exist unapologetically and loudly. I approached the book as a form of catharsis. The process wasn't easy, but then I'd remind myself why I was writing: for that teenager sitting in a small town, googling 'How to know if I'm gay?' and hoping someone out there had survived. I wanted to be that someone.

Can you share your coming-out story with us?

I always knew I was different. Coming out to my mother was the hardest; I called her to Hyderabad, and we spoke all night. There were tears, questions, and fears. She asked if it was her fault, or if a doctor could 'fix' me. But eventually, she stood by me. Today, she's my strongest support system. Coming out isn't a one-time event. It's a journey that never really ends.

Could you tell us about your journey with Abhay?